Tension Systems and Methods of Use

ABSTRACT

Machines, apparatuses, systems and methods for providing adjustable tension to a cable system using a pivotally mounted leverage mechanism that employs an adjustably positionable weight. Embodiments are used in exercise and other muscle strengthening devices, and may include an electronic control system for monitoring, recording a user&#39;s progress, and for altering or releasing tension to the cable system based on feedback from the user. Embodiments include a user interface for inputting information for particular exercises or workouts, as well as outputting/downloading information following exercises or workouts. Other embodiments allow adjustment to the starting point of the lifting bar so that such machines may be used for bench presses, squats, cleans or curls.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/837,838, filed Mar. 15, 2013, which is incorporated herein by this reference in its entirety, and which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/606,123, filed Oct. 26, 2009, which is also incorporated herein by this reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to cable tensioning systems, and more particularly to unique and compact adjustable cable tensioning systems, apparatus, machines and related methods for use in such applications as weight training, exercising, muscle toning, muscle development, and the like.

DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND

Weight training is a common form of exercise to increase strength and build muscle. A typical weight lifting apparatus includes a bar that is capable of receiving weights on both ends. The user places the desired weights on the bar, and then lifts the bar so that the weights act as resistance to the muscles of the user. A certain number of repetitions of the lift are performed in order to complete a particular exercise. Typically, the most beneficial parts of the exercise are the last few repetitions where the user may become fatigued, but where maximum muscle strength is developed. Because of the fatigue factor, the user may become exhausted and unable to complete the exercise with the selected weights. This results in at least two problems. First, in order to complete the set of repetitions, if fatigue sets in, the user may be required to stop the exercise, change the weight resistance (which may include both removing and replacing weights), and then resume. This may interrupt critical timing in the exercise. Second, the fatigue experienced by the user is dangerous in that the weights may be dropped or mishandled, resulting in injury to the user. A second person or spotter is typically used to assist the weight lifter to catch the weight in case fatigue causes a problem. However, a second person is not always available which may expose the weight lifter to unnecessary risk of injury.

In order to avoid having to add and remove physical weights to change the resistance, numerous weightlifting systems have been developed as alternatives to bar and weight systems that employ cable and pulley systems to transfer weight loads, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,403 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0233871. In order to avoid the need for a second person to act as a spotter, cable and pulley systems have also been developed for use as spotter systems, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,048,826, 5,310,394, 5,314,394, and 6,558,299. Unfortunately, none of these inventions provides a simple, compact weight resistance system that has the combined capabilities of (a) providing variable adjustability in the amount of tension (weight) placed on the cable, including automatic tension adjustment (reduction or release) near the end of a set of repetitions when the user is becoming fatigued; and (b) providing an automatic spotting/safety function without the need for a second person.

Electronic monitoring and feedback systems for weightlifting have also been developed, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,785,632 and 5,993,356.

It is therefore desirable to provide the combined capabilities of variable and automatic tension adjustability, including reduction and potential release (spotting) in a compact tension resistance system that may be adapted for use in numerous different weight lifting methods and apparatus. It is further desirable that such systems provide real time feedback to the user during exercise, and record the results of the user's exercise for future use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatuses, machines, systems and methods for providing adjustable tension to cable, rope, wire, cord, chain, belt, strap or other similar devices (sometimes referred to herein for convenience using the general term “cable”) using a pivotally mounted leverage mechanism that is associated with one or more adjustably positionable weights. In embodiments of the invention, one or more cables are attached to the leverage mechanism which provides tension to the cable(s). Tension to the cable(s) may be increased or decreased by changing the position of the weight(s) associated with the leverage mechanism. Embodiments of the invention may be used in exercise and other muscle strengthening devices, and may include an electronic control system for monitoring and recording a user's progress, and altering or releasing tension to the cable system based on feedback from the user. Embodiments of the invention may also include a user interface for inputting information for particular exercises or workouts, as well as outputting/downloading information following exercises or workouts.

In some embodiments, the leverage mechanism includes an elongated threaded screw member that is rotated using a drive motor attached at one end of the screw member. A carriage may be provided in these embodiments that is movably engaged with the screw member so that rotation of the screw member by the drive motor causes the carriage to move along the length of the screw member. In these embodiments, rotation of the screw member in one direction will cause the carriage to move in one direction along the lever member, and rotation in the opposite direction will cause the carriage to move in the opposite direction along the lever member. In some embodiments, the screw member itself may be pivotally (and rotatably) mounted in order to act as a lever.

In some embodiments, the leverage mechanism includes a belt or chain member that is attached to a weight carriage and moves the weight carriage along the lever member. The weight carriage may be movably engaged with the lever member on a track. For example and without limitation, the belt or chain member may be attached to a motor that pulls the belt or chain around an axle, thereby pulling the weight carriage along the lever member. In these embodiments, rotation of the axle in one direction will cause the carriage to move in one direction along the lever member, and rotation of the axle in the opposite direction will cause the carriage to move in the opposite direction along the lever member.

A cable is attached directly or indirectly at or near one end of the lever mechanism or screw member. Tension on the cable is increased or decreased depending on the position of the weight (which may be on a carriage) on the lever member.

In alternative embodiments, the carriage may be movably provided on one or more elongated rails, tracks or other supports. In these embodiments, the rail, track or support is pivotally mounted in order to act as a lever, and a cable is attached directly or indirectly near one end of the rail, track or support. It is to be appreciated that the movable weight or the carriage supporting the weight may be directly or indirectly attached to any suitable motion imparting device, such as a pneumatic or hydraulic piston assembly, a rod and motor assembly, a threaded screw member as described above, a chain and sprocket system, a motor and belt system, or the like. Movement of the piston, motor, chain, belt etc. causes the weight or carriage to move along the rail, track or other support lever. Tension on the cable is increased or decreased depending on the position of the weight or the carriage on the lever.

It is to be appreciated that the carriage may be provided in any suitable form so long as it is movable along the lever mechanism according to the movement of the motion imparting device. In some of these embodiments, additional weight is provided on or attached to the carriage.

In the preferred embodiments, one end of a cable is attached directly or indirectly near an end of the leverage mechanism, and the other end of the cable is attached to and threaded around a rotatably mounted disc, pulley or sprocket for communication of tension to such disc, pulley or sprocket. In these embodiments, the central axis of such disc, pulley or sprocket is attached to a rod. A separate cam is also attached to this rod such that the disc and cam share a common axis in the rod. One end of a second cable is attached to and wrapped around the outside edge of the cam, and the opposite end of the second cable is attached directly or indirectly to a weight lifting bar or the like for communication of tension to such bar. It is to be appreciated that the outside edges of the disc and cam may have a U-shaped cross section in embodiments using a cord-like structure for the two cables in order to receive and guide the cables. Other embodiments may use sprockets and chains or belts, which may be connected, on one end to cables leading to the lever mechanism and on the other end to the lifting bar.

In some embodiments, tension is imparted to the disc by the first cable, then transmitted to the cam through the rod, and then transmitted directly or indirectly to the lifting bar through the second cable. The amount of tension may be varied depending on the position of the carriage, and/or the associated weight thereon, relative to the point at which the first cable is attached to the leverage mechanism. The tension may also affected by the location of the pivot. As the lifting bar is moved, it pulls on the second cable thereby causing the cam to rotate. This rotation is resisted by the tension imparted to the cam from the leverage mechanism through the first cable, and rod and/or disc. When the tension provided by the second cable is greater than the tension provided by the first cable, both the cam and disc rotate, causing the leverage mechanism to move through an arc about its pivotal mount. The outside edge of the cam is preferably shaped so as to provide even tension to the second cable to compensate for variations as the leverage mechanism moves through this arc. This shape of the cam helps maintain consistent cable tension throughout the upward and downward strokes of the lifting bar. For example, the cam may have an oval shape.

In some embodiments, the weight system may include a cable carriage mounted on the lever member that may serve as a connection point between a weight bearing cable and the lever member. The cable carriage may be positioned on a side of the lever member (e.g., on the top or bottom of the lever member), and may be engaged with a single weight bearing cable that is attached at each end to a weight lifting bar. The cable carriage may be moveably engaged with the lever member, such that the cable carriage may be moved along the lever member to various positions. For example, and without limiting the invention, the cable carriage may include wheels that are engaged with a track in the lever member. The cable carriage may include an elongated threaded screw member that is rotated using a drive motor attached at one end of the screw member. The cable carriage may be movably engaged with the screw member so that rotation of the screw member by the drive motor causes the carriage to move along the length of the screw member and the lever member. In such embodiments, rotation of the screw member in one direction will cause the cable carriage to move in one direction along the lever member, and rotation in the opposite direction will cause the cable carriage to move in the opposite direction along the lever member.

In such embodiments, the cable carriage may act as mechanism for adjusting the length available for movement of the weight lifting bar in the weight-bearing cable (e.g., the “slack” in the weight-bearing cable) to allow the weight lifting bar to be positioned at various heights and/or distances from the weight system. For example, and without limiting the invention, as the cable carriage moves toward a pivot of the lever member, slack in the weight-bearing cable may be taken up by the carriage, thereby reducing a height at which the weight lifting bar can be positioned. The cable carriage may also function as a safety feature. For example, and without limiting the invention, an elongated threaded screw member may be engaged with the cable carriage (as described above) that positions the cable carriage by rotating in either direction. In the event of an emergency, the screw member may be allowed to rotate freely, thereby allowing the cable carriage to move toward an end of the lever member and creating slack in the weight-bearing cable. The increased slack in the weight-bearing cable removes the tension created by the lever member and weight thereon. For example and without limitation, the screw member may be engaged with and driven by an electric motor. When there is a power failure or an emergency switch is engaged, the electric motor may disengage the screw member, thereby allowing the cable carriage to move to the end of the lever member and release the tension in the weight-bearing cable.

In some embodiments, the cable carriage and the elongated threaded screw member may be mounted in different positions on the weight system. Without limiting the invention, the cable carriage system, including an elongated screw, can be positioned on various locations on a frame of the weight system. The exact location and orientation of the cable carriage system may vary, so long as the weight bearing cable can be routed from the cable carriage system to the lever by pulleys and/or other devices. In such embodiments the cable carriage may be detached from the lever member and mounted above, below, or in some other orientation relative to the lever member and may be separately anchored to the frame of the weight system. As in embodiments where the cable carriage is coupled with the lever member, the cable carriage may be operable to increase or decrease the amount of slack in the weight-bearing cable that is available for the user of the weight system.

It is to be appreciated that the amount of tension imparted increases as the carriage and/or weight are moved closer to the end of the leverage mechanism where the first cable (or single weight-bearing cable) is attached (for example, at a point that is away from the pivot); similarly, the amount of tension is decreased as the carriage and/or weight are moved away from the end of the leverage mechanism where the first cable is attached (for example, at a point that is toward the pivot). It is to be appreciated that the leverage mechanisms of the present invention may be provided in different lengths, and that the weight(s) associated with the carriage may be provided in different amounts depending on the space availability and the tension requirements of the user. For example, and without limitation, a relatively short leverage mechanism may be provided with a heavy weight such that slight movement of the weight and/or carriage results in a significant change in tension; but, if a longer leverage mechanism is provided with the same weight the same amount of movement by the weight and/or carriage would provide a lesser change in tension. In some examples, a longer leverage mechanism could allow for a greater maximum tension than a shorter one.

In the preferred embodiments, the position of the weight and/or carriage is calibrated in order to allow calculation of the amount of tension provided by the leverage mechanism. An electronic interface and processing system may be provided in these embodiments so that a user may electronically select and/or adjust the tension (“weight”) placed on the cables by changing the position of the weight on the lever mechanism. This replaces the need to add or remove actual physical weights as in a traditional weight-lifting setup. The electronic system may monitor the user's resistance to tension on the cable during use in order to detect potential fatigue in the user. In these embodiments, if the user's resistance drops, the electronic system may automatically adjust (lessen) the tension on the cable by causing the weight and/or carriage to move, in order to reduce the tension on the cable and allow the user to stop, alter or continue exercise at a different level. The electronic interface may also provide signals to the user during use, such as digital readouts, alarms, audible commands or the like. In some embodiments, the electronic system may also record data from a user's exercise workouts for compilation and later review by the user to measure muscle strength gain, for evaluation, for comparison to previous workouts, for developing future workouts, etc. In some embodiments, data recorded through the electronic system may be transmitted or downloaded to another computerized device, including portable and/or hand-held computing devices, either simultaneously with the performance of a workout, or afterwards.

In embodiments of the invention, the electronic system detects when the lifting speed of the cables decreases or stalls, and automatically/incrementally reduces the tension on the cables so that the speed stays the same. This has the effect of being an “automatic spotter” allowing the lifter to complete a lift with lesser weight. In emergency situations (e.g., a prolonged stall, or a sudden loss in resistance by the user—which may be measured in fractions of a second) the tension on the cables may be completely released or interrupted in order to avoid injury to the user. In some embodiments, a separate spotter cable may be provided with a latch or other movement arresting mechanism that may be engaged to prevent the lifting bar from falling on the user.

Several embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in various exercise machines. For example, and without limitation, embodiments of the invention may be implemented in weight lifting systems, bench press systems, squat systems, knee lift systems, hand or arm pull systems, leg presses, calf raisers, and others. Embodiments of the present invention may be used at gymnasiums, in the medical field for strengthening, development and/or rehabilitation of infirm or injured persons, and in weight or strength training camps.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide variable and automatic cable tension adjustability, including tension reduction and potential tension release, in a compact tension resistance system that may be adapted for use in numerous different exercise or strengthening methods and apparatus.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide cable-based systems, apparatus, machines and methods for exercise and improving muscle strength in which the tension (weight) on the cable(s) may be adjusted by a user without manually attaching or removing physical weights.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide cable-based systems, apparatus, machines and methods for exercise and improving muscle strength in which the user's activity is monitored, and the tension (weight) on the cable(s) is automatically adjusted according to the monitored activity.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide cable-based exercise or strength improvement systems and methods for providing real time feedback to a user during exercise, and real time cable tension adjustment during exercise.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide cable-based exercise or strength improvement systems and methods capable of acting as an automatic spotter to monitor and automatically reduce or eliminate tension (weight) on the cable system if user fatigue is detected.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide cable-based exercise or strength improvement systems and methods capable of recording and storing the results of a user's exercise, and making those results available for download onto a hand held or other electronic device.

Additional objects of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description and the claims herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of an embodiment of the invention showing a lifting bar near the middle of a stroke, resting on supports.

FIG. 1A is a sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention showing a piston assembly.

FIG. 2 is a sectional side sectional view of an embodiment of the invention showing a lifting bar near the top of a stroke.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention showing a lifting bar near the top of a stroke.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention showing a lifting bar near the bottom of a stroke.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention showing a lifting bar near the top of a stroke.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention showing a lifting bar near the middle of a stroke.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention showing a lifting bar near the bottom of a stroke.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a leverage mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a partially exploded view of the leverage mechanism of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cam and disc assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the assembly of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the assembly of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a partially cut-away sectional side view of an embodiment of the invention incorporating an emergency tension interruption apparatus.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a part of the emergency tension interruption apparatus of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an end view of a part of the emergency tension interruption apparatus of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a top view of a part of the emergency tension interruption apparatus of FIG. 16.

FIG. 20 is a side view of a part of the emergency tension interruption apparatus of FIG. 16.

FIG. 21 is a side view of a part of the emergency tension interruption apparatus of FIG. 16.

FIG. 22 is a frontal view of an embodiment of the invention. The weight lever system is emphasized in this figure, and some elements of the weight system are not shown.

FIG. 23 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the invention. The cable carriage system is emphasized in this figure, and some elements of the weight system are not shown.

FIG. 24 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a cable carriage system according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a weight lever system according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings wherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and referring particularly to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 3-9, it is seen that these embodiments include a leverage system for installation inside a cabinet or frame 19 comprising an elongated member 20 having a track 21 (see FIG. 9) for supporting a movable carriage 25 using wheels, guides or other supports 26. At least one weight 24 is provided with, on or made a part of carriage 25. Member 20 is pivotally mounted at 23 so that it may operate as a lever. It is to be appreciated that in other embodiments (such as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15), that weight 24 may be movably provided directly on lever member 20.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3-9, a threaded screw 29 is provided in parallel with lever member 20. A drive motor 30 is provided, preferably at one end of screw 29, to impart rotation to it. A threaded bore (see FIG. 9) is provided in carriage 25 for receiving screw 29, so that as screw 29 is turned by motor 30, carriage 25 moves along the length of screw 29. It is to be appreciated that turning screw 29 in one direction will cause carriage 25 to move towards, motor 30, and turning screw 29 in the opposite direction will cause carriage 25 to move away from motor 30. It is to be appreciated that in other embodiments, weight 24 may be movably provided directly on lever member 20 and that screw 29 may be threaded through a bore in weight 24 itself. However, it is to be appreciated that other means of moving weight 24 on lever member 20 are contemplated in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. For example, and without limitation, motor 30 and screw 29 can be replaced with a piston engaged with the carriage 25 as shown in FIG. 1A.

One end of a first cable 35 is attached near one end of lever member 20, at a distance from pivot 23. The opposite end of cable 35 is wrapped around an outside edge of a rotatable circular disc 37 and may be anchored thereto. Disc 37 is attached to a rod 38 that is rotatably mounted a distance from the end of lever member 20. A cam 39 is also attached to rod 38 and/or disc 37. It is to be appreciated that disc 37 may have a round circumference, but that cam 39 may not. Rotation of disc 37 causes cable 35 to impart a pulling force at the end of lever member 20 where cable 35 is attached, which causes this proximal end of lever member 20 to move in an arcuate direction about pivot 23. The closer that weight 24 (with or without carriage 25) is to this proximal end of lever member 20 and/or the point of attachment of first cable 35, the more pulling force is required through cable 35 to move lever member 20 in the arcuate direction 52.

One end of a second cable 42 is wrapped around an outside edge of cam 39 and may be anchored thereto. The opposite end of this cable is attached directly or indirectly to a lifting bar 49. Cable 42 is preferably split, or otherwise functionally divided, and threaded through one or more pulleys 43, terminating at opposite ends of lifting bar 49. In some embodiments, cable 42 may be attached to a separate pulley 45 that is engaged with a third cable 51, the ends of which are attached near the ends of bar 49 (See, e.g., FIG. 14). It is to be appreciated that as bar 49 is lifted as shown in FIGS. 3-4, a pulling force is transmitted through cable 42 to cam 39. This force is transmitted directly, or through rod 38, to disc 37, and then through cable 35 to the proximal end of lever member 20. Resistance to this force is provided by the weight 24, which may be provided on carriage 25. The amount of resistance may be changed by changing the position of weight 24 and/or carriage 25 on lever member 20. The movement of weight 24 on carriage 25 in the embodiments of FIGS. 2-9 is accomplished by the operation of motor 30, encoder or proximity sensor 31 and screw 29. The outside edge of cam 39 may be shaped so as to keep the tension on cable 42 and lifting bar 49 consistent, in order to compensate for the upward/downward stroke of the bar 49 and the corresponding arcuate movement 52 of lever 20. For example, the cam may have an oval shape. It is to be appreciated that the shape of such a cam is related, among other things, to the length of the distance between pivot 23 and the proximal end of lever 20.

Detail of an exemplary cam and disc assembly are shown in FIGS. 10-13. In this embodiment, one end of cable 35 is attached to the proximal end of lever 20, and the opposite end is wrapped over an outside edge of disc 37, and attached thereto. The position of weight 24 on lever 20 determines the amount of tension provided through cable 35 to disc 37. Disc 37 is attached to central rod 38. Cam 39 is also attached to central rod 38. However, in some embodiments, disc 37 and cam 39 may be engaged together, for example, and without limitation, by rivets, screws, and/or bolts. In other embodiments, disc 37 and cam 39 can both be integrated on a unitary material, for example, and without limitation, by injection molding or casting. These alternative embodiments eliminate the need for rod 38. Referring back to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 10-31, it is seen that one end of another cable 42 is engaged over the outside edge of cam 39 and attached thereto, leading directly or indirectly to lifting rod 49. It is to be appreciated in order to rotate disc 37 rod 38 and/or cam 39, a opposing force equal to or greater than that from cable 35 is necessary. This opposing force is transmitted from lifting rod 49 through cable 42 to cam 39, and in the illustrated embodiment, through rod 38 to disc 35.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the position of carriage 25 and weight 24 has been moved toward the end of lever 20 for a maximum load (for example, and without limitation, 190 lbs.). FIG. 3 shows the position of an exemplary leverage system of the present invention near the top of a lifting stroke, and FIG. 4 shows the change in position near the bottom of a lifting stroke. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-7, the position of carriage 25 and weight 24 has been moved toward the middle of lever 20 for a normal load (for example, and without limitation, 140 lbs.). FIG. 5 shows the position of an exemplary leverage system of the present invention near the top of a lifting stroke, FIG. 6 shows the change in position near the middle of a lifting stroke, and FIG. 7 shows the change in position near the bottom of a lifting stroke.

Referring to the illustrated exemplary embodiment of FIG. 15, it is seen that some embodiments of the invention may include an electronic system 53 having either manual inputs such as buttons, dials, switches, or the like (including without limitation one or more keypads), and/or electronic inputs and outputs such as a magnetic or optical reader, USB or other port, etc. provided on or with a user interface 54. A display is also provided in preferred embodiments of the user interface 54. The user may input his/her identity and other information regarding the desired workout using any of these inputs (keypad, manual ID number input, magnetic ID card, upload from a portable electronic device, etc.). Embodiments of the system 53 maintain information about each user and workouts performed by that user, from inputs on interface 53 or other data sources, discussed more fully below, for later review and/or download. A user's workout parameters may include such things as, without limitation, the weight(s) (tension) to be applied during a particular workout; number of repetitions for the workout; desired time interval(s) between repetitions and/or a time to complete the entire workout; any scheduled changes to be made to the tension during the workout (e.g. increasing, decreasing and/or alternating tension for different repetitions in the workout); ranges of acceptable deviations from any of tension, repetitions, time interval(s), etc.; and/or whether or not to record feedback from the workout. It is to be appreciated that different combinations of these selections may be made by the user to more particularly tailor a given workout or exercise regimen.

Some embodiments of the invention include a port or networking link 56 that allows data stored in the electronic system of the present invention to be accessed and/or downloaded, directly or indirectly, from or onto another device, such as a PDA, iPod, local storage, removable storage, network storage, network computer, or the like. This makes the data available for the user to incorporate into other databases, programs or devices for archival, study, entertainment, competition or other purposes. For example, and without limitation, a person going through rehabilitation following an accident or injury is able to keep track of exercises performed on machines of the present invention, and make comparisons to determine whether improvements are taking place over a period of time.

The programmable electronic system 53 is provided to control, among other things, motor 30 and the position of carriage 25 and/or weight 24 on lever mechanism 20 via screw 29. An encoder or proximity sensor 31 is provided with motor 30, which is preferably a servo motor. Encoder (or proximity sensor) 31 is calibrated in conjunction with motor 30, shaft 29, and weight 24 so that system 53 knows the precise position of weight 24 on lever 20 which can be used to determine the amount of weight (tension) provided on cable 35. The precision of the amount of weight provided depends on whether a proximity sensor or encoder is used, and on the type of encoder, if an encoder is used. In an exemplary embodiment, encoder 31 may count as many as 10,000 pulses for each rotation of shaft 29, although other less-precise encoders or proximity sensor may be used and still provide satisfactory precision.

Referring to the exemplary alternative embodiment of FIG. 15, it is seen that a servo motor 30 and associated encoder or proximity sensor 31 are provided in a roughly parallel orientation with lever 20. One end of motor 30 and a corresponding end of lever 20 are each provided with a rotatable wheel or sprocket around which a belt, chain, cable or other motion transmitter is provided to transfer rotational movement from the wheel or sprocket 60 on motor 30 to the wheel or sprocket 61 on lever 20. Wheel 61 is, in turn, associated with movable weight 24 such that rotation in one direction causes weight 24 to move in one direction along lever 20, and rotation in the opposite direction causes weight 24 to move in the opposite direction along lever 20.

Using the interface 54 and/or link 56, a user may select a desired amount of tension (for example, and without limitation, 140 lbs.), and in response, the system 53 operates motor 30 to move weight/carriage 24/25 to an appropriate location on lever 20 to provide the requested resistance to the cables leading to lifting bar 49. System 53 may or may not use an additional controller or other driver 55 to operate motor 30. The user interface 54 preferably includes controls that are easy to read and use, that are positioned close to the user, so that, if desired, adjustments in tension may be easily and quickly accomplished before, after or even during a set of repetitions.

Another encoder 32 is provided with rod 38, as shown in FIG. 14. During use, the programmable electronic system 53 monitors information received from encoder 32 which indicates the time and distance expended by the user during lifting repetitions. When this information is combined with the weight position information from encoder or proximity sensor 31, system 53 can indicate the amount of force, energy, or other exercise parameters expended by the user. The system is preferably programmed to move the weight/carriage 24/25 in order to reduce the tension on the cables, if a decrease in the force provided by the user is detected through encoder 32. This reduction in tension is accomplished in real time, and may help the user to maintain consistency in the amount of time the user takes to complete a repetition by, for example, lowering tension level. For safety purposes, if a drastic reduction, loss, or unexpected reversal in force from the user is detected through encoder 32—indicating significant user fatigue—the programming in system 53 may cause motor 30 to rapidly move weight 24 away from the proximal end of lever 20, so as to release or reduce tension to the cables leading to the lifting rod 49, thereby acting as a spotter, to avoid injury to the user.

In some embodiments, a ratchet system such as that shown in FIGS. 16-21 may be provided with disc 37, rod 38 and/or cam 39. In these embodiments, if an emergency situation is detected, the ratchet system may be engaged to prevent disc 37, rod 38 and/or cam 39 from rotating backwards, thereby acting as a spotter and preventing any tension from being imparted to bar 49. Referring to the exemplary spotter system embodiment of FIGS. 16-21, it is seen that cam 39 is provided with a plurality of slotted openings 66. A safety latch housing 68 is provided supporting a spring-loaded latch 70. Latch 70 is designed to fit into one of the openings 66 of cam 39. A pin 72 attached to an electronically activatable coil 69 that is engaged with latch 70 to hold it off from insertion into one of openings 66 during normal use. However, should an emergency situation be detected, coil 69 may be activated in order to pull pin 72 from latch 70, causing springs 71 to urge latch 70 forward for engagement into the nearest opening 66, thereby preventing rotation of cam 39, and preventing tension from being transmitted to bar 49 through cable 42. It is to be appreciated other embodiments of spotter devices may be used including without limitation, devices to arrest movement of the cables, devices to disconnect or detach (release) one or more cables, etc. For example, and without limitation, instead of being provided in conjunction with the cam 39, the ratchet system (including the latch and openings described above) can be used in conjunction with the disc 37, rod 38, or some other device rotatable around rod 38. In other examples, the safety system can include a separate device engaged with the rod 38, such as a mechanical or electromechanical brake.

In some embodiments, one or more additional hold-off or safety cables (not shown) may be attached to the lifting bar 49, and to a safety mechanism similar to that shown in FIG. 16. Should the system detect fatigue in the user, this safety mechanism may be engaged so that the safety cable(s) arrest downward movement of the lifting bar to prevent it from falling or landing on the user.

In most embodiments, upon each start-up, motor 30 preferably moves the weight 24 back to a given home or start position such as 57, and may also perform diagnostics or other internal tests to ensure calibration of the system, sensor(s), and/or encoder(s). It is expected that the system calibration may be certified by a local city or state weight and measurement department to confirm delivered tension (weight) to bar 49.

Additional programming may be provided in the electronic system to allow the user to designate different amounts of tension/resistance for different repetitions of a set. For example, and without limitation, the user may program the first five repetitions of a set to be at 140 lbs., and the next five to be at 120 lbs. Accordingly, for this example, during use, system 53 will cause weight 24 to be moved after the first five repetitions to a different position on lever 20 in order to change the tension on cables from 140 lbs. to 120 lbs. In other examples, and without limitation, a user may set a total number of repetitions at a given tension or tension reduction per repetition; or the user may establish a second set of repetitions with a lower or higher tension such as: 10 repetitions at 120 pounds tension; or 15 repetitions at 120 pounds tension, then back off or add ½ to 20 pounds per repetition; or a first set of repetitions at one tension, followed by a second set of repetitions at a lower or higher tension. It is to be appreciated that in other examples, and without limitation, the user may program alternating, increasing, decreasing or other variations in tension (weight) for different strokes or repetitions during one or more workouts. In other examples, a predefined weight lifting program can be stored in the system, provided through interface 54 or link 56.

It is to be appreciated that other variations may be employed by the system, including without limitation, weight (tension), stroke and/or time, in order to compensate for real-time variations encountered by a user during a given workout.

For example, and without limitation, a user may select a total number of repetitions and a weight (tension) start point. The system 53 may then reduce or hold a selected amount of weight for every stroke until the repetition count is completed. In this example, the user may enter 150 pounds for the start weight and 10 repetitions. The user also sets the weight to be reduced per stroke from a range of ½ pound steps to 20 pounds per stroke. During such a workout, the tension is changed, for example, by ½ pound each repetition. At the end of the 10 repetitions, the tension is removed, leaving the weight of the bar 49 only.

With respect to stroke, it is to be appreciated that encoder 32 on shaft 38 may be used to keep track of the total stroke distance. As an example, and without limitation, when a first-time or new user enters his/her identification into the system (e.g. swipes a card), the system may require the user to go through a set of repetitions (e.g. 5 of them) at a low tension to learn the users stroke distance and save it in association with the user's ID. This information is gleaned from encoder 32 as the user causes shaft 38 to rotate during each repetition. In some examples, the system may also require the user to hold bar 49 (perhaps at ¾ stroke) as the tension is increased, while at the same time monitoring any movement on shaft 38 to determine the approximate strength abilities of the user. The stroke and/or strength information may then be used later during this user's workouts; for example, during a later workout, as encoder 32 monitors the stroke distances for the user, the system may reduce tension (by moving weight 24 on lever 20) if it detects that the user is not reaching his/her pre-determined stroke distance during a set of repetitions. This reduction in tension may enable the user to continue reaching the full stroke distance albeit at a lower tension (weight). The weight reduction information may also be recorded so that the user may review it after the workout to see when and by how much the weight was reduced in order for the user to complete a given workout while maintaining the same stroke distance. This feature may be enabled or disabled at the discretion of the user.

With respect to time, it is to be appreciated that encoder 32 on shaft 38 may be used to keep track of the time it takes for a user to complete each stroke. As an example, and without limitation, an initial time benchmark may be established for a user to complete one stroke and/or an average time may be calculated for a user based on strokes completed during one or more actual workouts. Then, during a later workout, as encoder 32 monitors the stroke time for the user, the system may reduce tension (by moving weight 24 on lever 20) if it detects that the user is taking more time than the benchmark/average stroke time during a set of repetitions. This reduction in tension may enable the user to continue reaching the full stroke within the average/benchmark time albeit at a lower tension (weight). The weight reduction information may also be recorded so that the user may review it after the workout to see when and by how much the weight was reduced in order for the user to complete a given workout while maintaining the same stroke time. This feature may be enabled or disabled at the discretion of the user.

It is to be appreciated that embodiments of the invention may be set to reduce or eliminate the tension to bar 49 if the user holds the bar in a fixed position for a minimal time interval (timeout) following the start of movement in a repetition—indicating fatigue (inability to move the bar further). The timeout may be any appropriate pre-set time interval, but should be short enough to avoid injury yet long enough not to interrupt an otherwise normal workout. In other variations, a total time for a series of repetitions may be established by the user and if that time is exceeded, then tension to bar 49 may be released. Recording of any or all of this information may be enabled or disabled at the discretion of the user.

In further embodiments, the weight system may include alternative systems for connecting the lever member to a weight lifting bar and alternative mechanisms for moving a weight along the lever member. In the illustrated exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 22-25, the system may include a single weight-bearing cable that is engaged with a cable carriage attached to the lever member. The cable carriage may serve as the connection between the weight lifting bar and the lever member. The single weight-bearing cable may be routed over pulleys and through the cable carriage, which may be attached to a side of the lever member (e.g., a bottom side of the lever member). In such embodiments, a cable carriage (e.g., cable carriage 2301 shown in FIG. 23) may act as mechanism for adjusting slack in the weight-bearing cable to allow the weight lifting bar to be positioned at various heights and/or distances from the weight system. For example, and without limiting the invention, as the cable carriage moves toward a pivot of the lever member, the slack in the weight-bearing cable may be taken up by the carriage, thereby reducing a height at which the weight lifting bar can be positioned.

In still further embodiments, the weight system may include a cable carriage that is not connected to the lever member, but rather is separately mounted on a frame of the weight system. In such embodiments, the weight-bearing cable may be routed through the cable carriage (e.g., around one or more pulleys in the cable carriage) and separately engaged with the lever member. In the illustrated exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 26-30, the system may include a single weight-bearing cable that is engaged with one or more pulleys on a cable carriage that is mounted the frame of the weight system. In such embodiments, the cable carriage does not serve as the connection between the weight lifting bar and the lever member; instead, this is accomplished using a pulley on the lever member. As in other embodiments, and without limitation, the cable carriage may act as mechanism for adjusting slack in the weight-bearing cable to allow the weight lifting bar to be positioned at various heights and/or distances from the weight system. The adjustment in the slack may allow the weight system to accommodate persons of different heights and/or arm lengths, and/or to accommodate different kinds of exercises such as bench press, cleans, squats, and other exercises (e.g., the lifting bar must be lifted further off the ground and thus further away from the weight system in a clean and jerk exercise than in a bench press exercise).

FIG. 25 provides a perspective view of an exemplary weight system having a leverage mechanism that includes a lever member 2220, cable carriage 2301, a weight carriage 2224, a belt 2225 engaged with said weight carriage, and a pivot mount 2223 on which the lever member is mounted. Each end of a weight lifting bar 2404 may be attached to a single weight-bearing cable 2405, each end of which is routed over a system of pulleys to cable carriage 2301. The cable carriage may be engaged with an underside of the lever member 2220. However, it is to be appreciated that the cable carriage may be alternatively engaged with a top of the lever member 2220, or may be engaged with lever member 2220 at some other suitable location. The connection provided by the cable carriage 2301 to the lever member 2220 allows the lever member 2220 to apply weight to the weight-bearing cable 2405, thereby applying resistance to the movement of the weight lifting bar 2404. As the weight lifting bar 2404 is moved up and down, drawing the weight-bearing cable over the pulleys, an end of the lever member 2220 opposite the pivot 2223 is moved up and down. Although the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 25 show the presence of weights 2510 on lifting bar 2404, these are ordinarily not used, since the cable systems in the embodiments of the present invention are capable of providing sufficient resistance (tension/weight) without any such added weights. However, a user may add additional weight in this way, but it will not be subject to the safety mechanisms of the invention discussed below.

In such embodiments, the leverage mechanism may include a belt or chain member that is attached to a weight carriage and moves a weight carriage along the lever member. The weight carriage may be movably engaged with the lever member on a track. For example, the belt or chain member may be attached to an axle system and a motor may be configured to actively spin the axle system in both rotational directions, such that the belt or chain pulls the weight carriage along the lever member. In other examples, the belt or chain member may be attached to a motor that pulls the belt or chain around passive rollers or axles, thereby pulling the weight carriage along the lever member.

As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 22, a belt or chain 2225 and a motor 2230 may be connected to the weight carriage 2224 for moving the weight carriage along a lever member 2220. The weight carriage may have wheels 2226 that can be engaged with a track 2227 in the lever member 2220. The wheels allow the weight carriage to move easily along the track 2227. It is to be appreciated that wheels 2226 can be substituted with other friction reducing structures, such as bearings. The motor (e.g., a servo motor) 2230 may be attached to and operable to spin an axle that is engaged with belt or chain 2225. The ends of the belt may be attached to the weight carriage and routed around the belt axle and a roller 2262 on an opposite end of the lever member 2220, such that as the belt axle spins, the belt or chain 2225 pulls the weight along a track 2227. The axle may have notches, slots, gear teeth, or other engagement structures for engaging with the belt of chain 2225, which may enable the axle to drive the belt or chain 2225. The belt or chain 2225 may have notches, slots, gear teeth, or other engagement structures that are complementary to the engagement structures of the axle. The motor 2230 may spin the axle in both directions, thereby moving the weight carriage 2224 to and fro along the lever member 2220 via the attached belt or chain 2225. It is to be appreciated that turning belt axle in one direction will cause weight carriage to move towards the motor, and turning the belt axle in the opposite direction will cause weight carriage to move away from the motor. Although movement of carriage 2224 in this illustrated embodiment is accomplished using a belt system 2225, it is to be appreciated that other motion imparting systems may be used including without limitation a rotatable screw, motor, piston, or the like. It is to be further appreciated that other means of moving the weight on the lever member are contemplated in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

As explained above, movement of the weight carriage 2224 along the lever member 2220 may adjust the amount of tension or load placed on the weight-bearing cable 2405. The closer that weight carriage 2224 gets to a proximal end of lever member 2220 and the pulleys 2306 and 2307, the more pulling force is required through weight-bearing cable 2405 to lift lever member 2220.

As discussed above, the position and movement of the lever member 2220 may be monitored by an encoder or one or more proximity sensors (not shown) attached to or mechanically engaged with the lever member 2220. The encoder or proximity sensor(s) may provide data regarding the position and movement of the lever member 2220 to an electronic system (e.g., a computer or processor) capable of monitoring the position of the lever member 2220. Such data may be used by the electronic system to determine the rate at which a user is moving the lifting bar 2404 (e.g., whether the user is becoming fatigued).

As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 23, a cable carriage system 2300 may include a cable carriage 2301 be mounted on the lever member 2220 (e.g., on the underside of the lever member). The cable carriage may be connected to the lever member 2220 along a track 2309 along which the cable carriage 2301 may move, and by screw member 2311, which may be attached to the lever member 2220 at both ends. The cable carriage 2301 may have wheels 2308 that can be engaged with the track 2309 in the lever member 2220. The wheels allow the cable carriage 2301 to move easily along the track 2309. It is to be appreciated that wheels 2308 can be substituted with other friction reducing structures, such as bearings.

The cable carriage system 2300 may also include a threaded bore member 2310 (e.g., a ball screw nut) attached thereto and engaged with a screw member 2311, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 23. In this embodiment, the threaded member 2310 is engaged with the threads of screw member 2311 and is configured to pull the cable carriage 2300 along the screw member 2311 as the screw member turns. A motor 2312 (e.g. a servo motor) is engaged with the screw member 2311, and may be operable to spin the screw in either direction in order draw the threaded member 2310 along the screw member 2311 and thereby move the cable carriage 2301 along the lever member 2220, as indicated by the dual-headed arrow in FIG. 23. It is to be appreciated that rotation of the screw member 2312 in one direction will cause the cable carriage 2301 to move in along the lever member 2220 toward the motor 2312, and rotation in the opposite direction will cause the cable carriage 2301 to move along the lever member 2220 away from the motor.

The encoder of the servo motor 2312 may provide data to the electronic system regarding the position of the cable carriage. Alternatively, the cable carriage may have one or more proximity sensors (e.g., inductive or magnetic proximity sensors) mounted thereon and reference indicators may be positioned along the lever member 2220 (e.g., metal tabs or other structures that the proximity sensor(s) are able to detect), such that the proximity sensor(s) are tripped by the reference indicators as the cable carriage moves along the lever member 2220. The reference indicators may be placed along the lever member at specific distances and/or at regular intervals. In a further alternative, one or more proximity sensors (e.g., an optical sensor, such as a laser range finder, a radar sensor, a sonar sensor, etc.) may be mounted on the cable carriage or the cable carriage frame to determine the distance of the cable carriage from the motor 2312. The data provided by the encoder or proximity sensor(s) may allow the computer or processing unit to have precise control over the position of the cable carriage along the screw member 2311.

The movement of the cable carriage 2301 along the lever member 2220 may result in an increase or decrease in slack of weight-bearing cable 2305 (shown as 2405 in FIG. 25). For example, slack in the weight-bearing cable 2305 may be decreased as the cable carriage 2301 moves toward motor 2312 along track 2309. Also, the slack in weight-bearing cable 2305 may be increased as the cable carriage 2301 moves away from motor 2312 along track 2309. The cable carriage is able to adjust the amount of slack in the weight-bearing cable 2305 (shown as 2405 in FIG. 25) because the weight bearing cable may be routed over pulleys 2302 and 2303 of the cable carriage 2301 and a stationary pulley 2304 that may be attached to the lever member 2220. As the cable carriage 2301 moves away from the stationary pulley 2304, the lengths of the sections of cable between the carriage pulleys and stationary pulley 2304 get longer, reducing the amount of slack in said weight bearing cable.

In an exemplary illustration of how the weight-bearing cable may be routed, FIG. 25 shows a weight-bearing cable 2405 that may be routed from one end of the weight lifting bar 2404 over a series of pulleys to the cable carriage 2301. Now referring to FIG. 23, the weight-bearing cable 2305 (shown as 2405 in FIG. 25) may be routed from pulley 2306 to a first carriage pulley 2303, then to stationary pulley 2304, and then around second carriage pulley 2302. The weight-bearing cable 2305 (shown as 2405 in FIG. 25) may then be routed to a second series of pulleys, including pulley 2307, and back to weight lifting bar 2404. The ends of the weight-bearing cable 2405 are each attached directly or indirectly to one end of a lifting bar 2404. It is to be appreciated that the series of pulleys of the weight system may be precisely aligned such that there are no substantial issues with horizontal angularity, vertical angularity, axial offset, or other potential alignment problems that may cause undesired tension or strain issues along the weight-bearing cable that may lead to malfunction or inefficient operation of the weight system.

It is also to be appreciated that as weight lifting bar 2404 is lifted, a pulling force may be transmitted directly through weight-bearing cable 2405 to cable carriage 2301. Resistance to this force may be provided by the weight carriage 2224, which may have various amounts of weight thereon (e.g., about 50 lbs. to about 1000 lbs., or any value or range of values therein). The amount of resistance may be changed by changing the position of weight carriage 2224 along lever member 2220. The position of the weight carriage 2224 on lever member 2220 determines the amount of tension provided through weight-bearing cable 2405, with a maximum load (for example, and without limitation, 450 lbs.) applied when the weight carriage 2224 has been moved to the end of lever 2220. As another example, the position of the weight carriage 2224 may be moved toward the middle of lever member 2220 for a normal load (for example, and without limitation, 200 lbs.). The position of the weight carriage may be adjusted according to the user's preference and performance, as discussed herein.

The cable carriage 2301 and motor 2312 may act together as a safety feature for the weight system 2200. As an example, and without limiting the invention, the motor 2312 engaged with screw member 2311 may be configured such that it can be engaged with the screw member 2311 only when electricity (power) is flowing to the motor. If there is a power failure, a breaker is tripped, the weight system is unplugged, or the motor loses power for any other reason, the motor 2312 disengages from the screw member 2311. As a result, the tension is released from the weight-bearing cable 2405 and the load is released from weight lifting bar 2404. As an illustration and without limitation, when the weight system is in use, there is significant tension on weight-bearing cable 2405, which is exerted on the cable carriage 2301 by the weight-bearing cable. If the motor 2312 releases the screw member to spin freely, the tension on the cable carriage 2301 will be exerted on the screw member 2311 by the threaded member 2310 attached to the cable carriage 2301. As a result, the force exerted by the threaded member 2310 will cause the screw member 2311 to spin rapidly, allowing the cable carriage 2301 to move rapidly toward the stationary pulley 2304, thereby quickly releasing the tension from the weight-bearing cable 2405. This feature of the motor 2312 and screw member 2311 acts as a safety measure for preventing the user from being overburdened with weight in the event that the weight system 2200 loses power. In other embodiments, the event of an emergency detected by the machine (e.g., a weight lifter is in distress indicated by little or no movement in the weight lifting bar), the screw member may be allowed to rotate freely, thereby allowing the cable carriage to rapidly move toward an end of the lever member and creating slack in the weight-bearing cable.

In some embodiments, the weight system may have one or more additional manual safety release switches, sensors, or levers (e.g., a pedal or pressure sensor near the user's feet) that may be attached to the weight lifting bar 2404 or in the user's area of the weight machine. For example, and without limitation, a pressure sensor pad may be positioned on a platform on which the user stands during exercise that the user can step on to generate a signal to the electronic system to disengage the motor from the screw member. The release switch, sensor, or lever may be engaged with motor 2312 and/or screw member 2311, and when triggered (e.g. by the foot of a user in an emergency situation) may disengage the motor 2312 from the screw member 2311, allowing the screw member to rotate freely, thereby allowing the cable carriage to rapidly move toward an end of the lever member and creating slack in the weight-bearing cable.

Embodiments of the invention may also include a rack system 2200 as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. The embodiment of FIG. 24 illustrates a side view of an exemplary rack system 2400. Each side of this rack system may include a sprocket or gear 2410 engaged with a sprocket axle (e.g., axle 2415 shown in FIG. 25), a chain or belt 2403 engaged with sprocket or gear 2410 and additional passive sprockets or gears 2411, 2412, and 2413, and a track 2402 in a hollow vertical post along which chain or belt 2403 runs. Each side of the rack system may further include a weight support 2401 that may be engaged with the chain or belt 2403 and the track 2402. The sprocket axle 2415 may be engaged with a motor 2414 (e.g., a servo motor) that can spin the sprocket axle 2415 in both rotational directions, thereby pulling the belt or chain 2403 up and down along the track 2402. The weight support 2401 may be engaged with the chain or belt 2403 and therefore move up and down along the track 2402 with the chain or belt 2403, as indicated by the dual-headed arrow in FIG. 24. Thus, the weight racks 2401 on both sides of the illustrated rack system can be automatically repositioned by motor 2414.

The encoder of the servo motor may provide data to the electronic system regarding the position of the weight supports 2401. Alternatively, the weight supports may have one or more proximity sensors mounted thereon. The one or more proximity sensors (e.g., inductive or magnetic proximity sensors) may be mounted on one or both of the weight supports and reference indicators may be positioned along one or both of the vertical track 2402 (e.g., metal tabs or other structures that the proximity sensor(s) are able to detect), such that the sensor(s) are tripped by the reference indicators as the weight supports 2401 move along the vertical tracks 2402. The reference indicators may be placed along the vertical tracks at specific distances and/or at regular intervals.

The present invention includes additional embodiments of a weight system having a cable carriage system for adjusting tension in a weight-bearing cable, and in which, the cable carriage system may be positioned in various locations on the weight system. FIGS. 26-30 show exemplary embodiments having a cable carriage system that is not mounted on or directly connected to a lever member, but that instead may be positioned at various locations on the frame structure of the weight system, and through which the weight-bearing cable is routed. In such embodiments, the lever member may have a narrower profile near a distal end of the lever member, since the cable carriage system is not attached thereto. Due to the absence of the pulleys of the cable carriage system at the distal end of the lever member, the lever member in these embodiments may have a consistent profile (width and height) through its length, and thereby allow the weight carriage to be moved to the distal end of the weight lever without being impeded by the presence of any cable carriage system. This arrangement may allow for additional torque to be applied to the weight lever (e.g., when the weight carriage is located at a distal end of the weight lever), and thereby create more resistance for the user at the weight lifting bar.

FIG. 26 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a weight system 2600. Weight system 2600 shares many of the features of weight system 2200 shown in FIG. 25. The weight system 2600 has a leverage mechanism that includes a lever member 2620, a weight carriage 2624, a belt 2625 engaged with said weight carriage 2624, and a pivot mount 2623 on which the lever member is mounted. The weight system also includes a cable carriage system 2650 that includes a mobile pulley on the cable carriage 2651 and a stationary pulley 2652. Each end of a weight lifting bar 2604 may be attached to a single weight-bearing cable 2605, which is routed over a system of pulleys and through a cable carriage 2650 to a weight lever pulley 2621, which serves as the connection between the weight-bearing cable 2605 and the weight lever 2620. The weight-bearing cable 2605 may be routed around the stationary pulley 2652 to the mobile pulley and back again to the stationary pulley 2652. In the embodiment of FIG. 26, the cable carriage may be engaged with an upper part of the weight system frame 2601 of the weight system 2600. However, it is to be appreciated that the cable carriage may be alternatively positioned at some other suitable location in the weight system (e.g., other locations on the frame). In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 26, cable 2605 is shown as routed twice around pulley 2621, although it is to be appreciated that it may be routed a single time or multiple times.

In the embodiment of FIG. 26, the cable carriage does not act as the connection between the weight-bearing cable 2605 and the weight lever 2620 (instead, this is accomplished at the weight lever pulley 2621). The cable carriage system 2650 functions to increase or decrease the slack in the weight-bearing cable 2605, thereby adjusting the height (or other linear distance) that the lifting bar 2604 can be extended from the weight system 2600. The cable carriage system 2650 may operate similarly to the cable carriage 2300 shown in FIG. 23, where movement of the cable carriage 2651 away from a stationary pulley 2652 may decrease the slack in the weight-bearing cable 2605. Also, the slack in weight-bearing cable 2605 may be increased as the cable carriage 2651 moves toward stationary pulley 2652.

In some embodiments in which the cable carriage system is located on the weight system rack or other location, the cable carriage may have a configuration that differs from the cable carriage system shown in FIG. 23. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 27, the illustrated cable carriage system 2750 includes a stand-alone frame 2701 that has a distal end on which a motor 2712 may be mounted, and a proximal end on which a stationary pulley 2752 may be mounted. The frame 2701 includes a track 2709 with which the cable carriage 2751 may be engaged. The cable carriage has a mobile pulley 2751 a mounted on thereon. The cable carriage 2751 may include a threaded linear bore member 2710 (e.g., a ball screw nut) that may be engaged with a screw member 2711. The linear bore member 2710 may be engaged with the threads of screw member 2711 and may be configured to pull the cable carriage 2651 along the screw member 2711 as the screw member turns. The motor 2712 (e.g. a servo motor) may be engaged with the screw member 2711 by a drive belt or chain 2713 (or other drive element) to transmit power from a sprocket of the motor 2712 to a drive gear or wheel 2711 a of the screw member 2711. The motor 2712 may be operable to spin the screw member 2711 in either rotational direction in order draw the linear bore member 2710 along the screw member 2711 and thereby move the cable carriage 2751 along the track 2709. It is to be appreciated that rotation of the screw member 2711 in one direction will cause the cable carriage 2751 to move in along the track 2709 toward the motor 2712, and rotation in the opposite direction will cause the cable carriage 2751 to move along the track 2709 away from the motor 2712 and toward the stationary pulley 2752. Although movement of the cable carriage 2751 in this illustrated embodiment is accomplished using a ball screw system, it is to be appreciated that other motion imparting systems may be used including without limitation a belt or chain, a piston, or the like.

An encoder may be connected with the motor 2712 to track the rotation of the screw member and provide data regarding the position of the cable carriage 2751 to an electronic system (e.g., a computer or processing unit) in electronic communication with the motor 2712 and the encoder. Alternatively, the cable carriage 2751 may have one or more proximity sensors (e.g., inductive or magnetic proximity sensors) mounted thereon and reference indicators may be positioned along the track 2709 (e.g., metal tabs or other structures that the proximity sensor(s) are able to detect), such that the sensor(s) are tripped by the reference indicators as the cable carriage 2751 moves along the track 2709. The reference indicators may be placed along the track 2709 at specific distances and/or at regular intervals. In a further alternative, one or more proximity sensors (e.g., an optical sensor, such as a laser range finder, a radar sensor, a sonar sensor, etc.) may be mounted on the cable carriage or the cable carriage frame to determine the distance of the cable carriage from the motor 2712. The data provided by the encoder or proximity sensor(s) may allow the computer or processing unit to have precise control over the position of the cable carriage along the screw member 2711.

The movement of the cable carriage 2751 along the track 2709 may result in an increase or decrease in the slack of a weight-bearing cable (see, e.g., cable 2605 in FIG. 26). The weight bearing cable may be routed from opposite ends of the weight bar through a system of pulleys and the cable carriage system to a weight lever pulley (see, e.g., FIG. 26). For example, and without limitation, the weight bearing cable may be routed sequentially from one end of the weight bar to the stationary pulley 2752 through one or more intermediate pulleys, around the stationary pulley 2752, around the mobile pulley 2751 a, back around the stationary pulley 2752, to the weight lever pulley through one or more additional intermediate pulleys, and then back to an opposite end of the weight bar through one or more additional intermediate pulleys (see, e.g., the arrangement of the weight cable 2605, the intermediate pulleys 2627, the cable carriage 2650, and the weight lever pulley 2621). It is to be appreciated that the cable carriage system may have other arrangements of pulleys. For example, and without limitation, the cable carriage may have multiple pulleys thereon, such as side-by-side pulleys as shown in FIG. 23, or dual stacked pulleys that are axially aligned. The cable carriage system may also have a single stationary pulley or multiple stationary pulleys (e.g., side-by-side pulleys as shown in FIG. 23, or dual stacked pulleys that are axially aligned). For example, and without limitation, the cable carriage system may have two side-by-side stationary pulleys and a single mobile pulley on the cable carriage, where the weight-bearing cable is routed around a first stationary pulley, then to the mobile pulley, and then to a second stationary pulley.

The movement of the cable carriage 2751 along the track 2709 changes the length available for movement of the weight bar (e.g., the “slack” in the weight bearing cable). For example, slack in the weight-bearing cable may be decreased as the cable carriage 2751 moves toward motor 2712 along track 2709. Also, the slack in weight-bearing cable may be increased as the cable carriage 2751 moves away from motor 2712 and toward stationary pulley 2752 along track 2709. As the cable carriage 2751 moves away from the stationary pulley 2752, the lengths of the sections of cable between the mobile pulley 2751 a and stationary pulley 2752 get longer, reducing the amount of slack in said weight bearing cable.

As discussed above, the weight bearing cable may be routed from the weight bar (e.g., weight bar 2604 in FIG. 26) through the cable carriage system 2750, and then over a series of intermediate pulleys to a weight lever. The positioning and number of intermediate pulleys in the system will depend on the position of the cable carriage system 2750 on the frame of the weight system (e.g., frame 2601 in FIG. 26). The positioning of the intermediate pulleys can be adjusted to accommodate the positioning of the cable carriage system 2750. Non-limiting examples of other weight systems in which the cable carriage system has a different position in the weight system and a different arrangement of intermediate pulleys are provided in FIGS. 29 and 30. It is to be appreciated that the series of pulleys of the weight system may be precisely aligned such that there are no substantial issues with horizontal angularity, vertical angularity, axial offset, or other potential alignment problems that may cause undesired tension or strain issues along the weight-bearing cable that may lead to malfunction or inefficient operation of the weight system.

In some embodiments, and without limitation, the weight bearing cable may be routed through the cable carriage system (around the mobile and stationary pulleys thereof) and then to the weight lever, which may have a weight lever pulley at its distal end (see, e.g., weight lever pulley 2621 in FIG. 26). In such embodiments, the lever member may have a consistent profile along its entire length to its distal end because the cable carriage system is not present on the lever member and there are no pulleys, framing, or other structures present on the end of the lever for the purpose of routing the weight bearing cable to a cable carriage located on the lever. Beneficially, the consistent profile (width and height) of the lever member along its entire length allows the weight carriage to be moved to the distal end of the weight lever to create additional torque on the weight lever, and thereby create more resistance for the user at the weight lifting bar. In such embodiments, the weight-bearing cable may be coupled to the weight lever by one or more vertically oriented pulleys at the end of the weight lever. For example, one or more pulleys may be nested within the end of the weight lever, thereby avoiding any need to widen the weight lever at its distal end. In implementations, the distal end of the weight lever may have multiple pulleys nested therein (e.g., dual axially aligned pulleys) and the weigh-bearing cable may be routed through the distal end of the weight lever multiple times around the multiple pulleys. The weight system may also include a one or more intermediate pulleys that may be over the one or more weight lever pulleys and aligned on the same vertical plane as the weight lever pulleys. The aligned intermediate pulleys allow the weight lever to be lifted vertically without the weight-bearing cable applying lateral force or torsion to the weight lever.

FIG. 28 shows an exemplary embodiment of a weight lever 2820. The weight lever 2820 may include a frame 2801 connected to a lever aim 2820 a having a consistent profile (e.g., width and height) along its length, pivot mounting pins 2823 a, a weight carriage 2824, a drive belt or chain 2825 mechanically connected to the weight carriage 2824, a weight carriage motor 2830 (e.g., a servo motor), a drive transmission assembly 2831 for transmitting power from the weight carriage motor 2830 to the drive belt 2825, and a weight lever pulley 2821 nested within a distal end of lever arm 2820 a. The drive belt 2825 may be connected to the weight carriage 2824 for moving the weight carriage 2824 along a lever arm 2820 a. The drive belt 2825 may have notches, slots, gear teeth, or other engagement structures that are complementary to engagement structures on the weight carriage 2824 (not shown), and the gear 2825 a (not shown). The weight carriage motor 2830 may be operable to spin a sprocket 2830 a in both rotational directions, allowing the drive belt 2825 to be pulled by gear 2825 a in both linear directions (it is to be understood that the force by the rotation of sprocket 2830 a is transmitted to gear 2825 a by the transmission assembly 2831). Although movement of carriage 2824 in this illustrated embodiment is accomplished using a belt system, it is to be appreciated that other motion imparting systems may be used including without limitation a rotatable screw, motor, piston, or the like. The weight carriage 2824 may have wheels, bearings, or other friction-reducing structures that can be engaged with the lever aim 2820 a. The lever arm 2824 a may also include a longitudinal track (not shown) along its length with which the weight carriage 2824 is engaged, and which helps guide the movement of the weight carriage 2824 along the lever arm 2820 a. It is to be further appreciated that other means of moving the weight on the lever member are contemplated in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

The weight carriage motor may be connected to an encoder, and the weight carriage and the encoder may be in electronic communication with an electronic system (e.g., a computer or processor) capable of monitoring the position of the weight carriage. Alternatively, the weight carriage may have one or more proximity sensors (e.g., inductive or magnetic proximity sensors) mounted thereon and reference indicators may be positioned along the longitudinal track (e.g., metal tabs or other structures that the proximity sensor(s) are able to detect), such that the sensor(s) are tripped by the reference indicators as the weight carriage moves along the longitudinal track. The reference indicators may be placed along the lever at specific distances and/or at regular intervals. In a further alternative, one or more proximity sensors (e.g., an optical sensor, such as a laser range finder, a radar sensor, a sonar sensor, etc.) may be mounted on the weight carriage or the lever mechanism frame near the motor to determine the distance of the weight carriage from the motor. The encoder or proximity sensor(s) may allow the electronic system to precisely track the position of the weight carriage 2824 along the lever arm 2820 a. The encoder or proximity sensor(s) may be calibrated in conjunction with weight carriage motor, belt driving gear, weight carriage, and/or related structures so that system knows the precise position of weight carriage on lever member, which can be used to determine the amount of weight (tension) provided on weight-bearing cable.

The exemplary nested position of weight lever pulley 2821 facilitates the consistent profile of the lever arm 2820 a. The weight carriage 2824 can thus be extended to the distal end of the lever arm 2820 a. The weight carriage 2824 may have a recess 2824 a in a medial portion thereof for accommodating the weight lever pulley 2821. The recess 2824 a allows the weight carriage 2824 to be positioned at the distal end of the lever arm 2820 a without obstructing or interfering with the connection between the weight-bearing cable and the weight lever pulley 2821. The combination of the uniform profile of the lever arm 2820 a and the recess 2824 a in the weight carriage allows additional torque on the weight lever and the application of additional resistance to the movement of the weight lifting bar without the need to add weight to the weight carriage 2824.

As discussed above with respect to other embodiments of the invention, the position and movement of the lever member 2820 may be monitored by an encoder (not shown) attached to or mechanically engaged with the lever member 2820. The encoder may provide data regarding the position and movement of the lever member 2820 to the electronic system capable of monitoring the position of the lever member 2820. Such data may be used by the electronic system to determine the rate at which a user is moving the lifting bar (e.g., whether the user is becoming fatigued).

As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 26, the cable carriage system 2650 may be implemented such that it is positioned at the top of the weight system frame 2601. Additionally, the weight bearing cable 2605 may be routed through multiple intermediate pulleys 2627 between a first end of the lifting bar 2604 and the cable carriage 2650, the cable carriage 2650 and the weight lever pulley 2621, and the weight lever pulley 2621 and the other end of the lifting bar 2604. The present invention also encompasses embodiments that include different placements of the cable carriage system and different numbers and arrangements of intermediate pulleys (see, e.g., FIGS. 29 and 30).

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 29, the weight system 2900 includes a cable carriage system positioned in the bottom of the frame 2901. Certain portions of the frame have been omitted from the drawing to provide an unobstructed view of the cable carriage system 2950 and the various intermediate pulleys in the weight system 2900. The weight-bearing cable 2905 is routed horizontally from an intermediate pulley 2927 to the stationary pulley of cable carriage system 2950 and around the mobile pulley of the cable carriage 2951. The weight-bearing cable 2905 is then routed upward through intermediate pulleys to the weight lever pulley 2921, and then back to the lifting bar 2904.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 30, the weight system 3000 includes a cable carriage system 3050 positioned over the weight lever 3020 with the stationary and mobile pulleys of the cable carriage system 3050 having a vertical orientation. Certain portions of the frame have been omitted from the drawing to provide an unobstructed view of the cable carriage system 3050 and the various intermediate pulleys in the weight system 3000. The weight-bearing cable 3005 is routed through intermediate pulleys 3027 to the stationary pulley of cable carriage system 3050 and around the mobile pulley of the cable carriage 3051. The weight-bearing cable 3005 is then routed downward through intermediate pulleys to the weight lever pulley 3021, and then back to the lifting bar 3004.

It is to be appreciated that in each embodiment the series of intermediate pulleys of the weight system may be precisely aligned such that there are no substantial issues with horizontal angularity, vertical angularity, axial offset, or other potential alignment problems that may cause undesired tension or strain issues along the weight-bearing cable that may lead to malfunction or inefficient operation of the weight system. It is also to be appreciated that as weight lifting bar is lifted, a pulling force may be transmitted through weight-bearing cable to weight lever pulley on the weight lever. Resistance to this force may be provided by the torque on the weight lever pulley created by the weight lever arm and the weight carriage, which may vary depending on the position of the weight carriage along the weight lever arm. Also, it is to be understood that the amount of weight in the weight carriage may be varied (e.g., about 50 lbs. to about 1000 lbs., or any value or range of values therein). The position of the weight carriage and the amount of weight thereon may be adjusted according to the user's preference and performance.

The features described above in reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 22-25 may be included in the embodiments exemplified by FIGS. 26-30 and related embodiments. For example, and without limitation, the cable carriage and motor may act together as a safety feature for the weight system (e.g., weight systems 2600, 2900, 3000, etc.). As an example, and without limiting the invention, the cable carriage motor 2712 of the cable carriage system 2750 may be engaged with screw member 2711 and may be configured such that it can be engaged with the screw member 2711 only when electricity (power) is flowing to the motor. If there is a power failure, a breaker is tripped, the weight system is unplugged, or the motor loses power for any other reason, the motor 2712 disengages from the screw member 2711. As a result, the tension is released from the weight-bearing cable and the load is released from weight lifting bar. This feature of the cable carriage motor and screw member acts as a safety measure for preventing the user from being overburdened with weight in the event that the weight system loses power. In other embodiments, the event of an emergency detected by the machine (e.g., a weight lifter is in distress indicated by little or no movement in the weight lifting bar), the screw member may be allowed to rotate freely, thereby allowing the cable carriage to rapidly move toward an end of the lever member and creating slack in the weight-bearing cable. In some embodiments, the weight system may have one or more additional manual safety release switches, sensors, or levers that may be attached to the weight lifting bar or in the user's area of the weight machine (e.g., a pedal near the user's feet). For example, and without limitation, a pressure sensor pad may be positioned on a platform on which the user stands during exercise that the user can step on to generate a signal to the electronic system to disengage the motor from the screw member. The release switch, sensor, or lever may be effective to disengage the motor 2712 from the screw member 2711, allowing the screw member to rotate freely, thereby allowing the cable carriage to rapidly move toward an end of the lever member and creating slack in the weight-bearing cable.

As discussed above, embodiments of the invention may also include a dual-sided rack system that includes weight supports (e.g., 2602) that may each be engaged with a chain or belt operable to move the weight support along a vertical track (e.g., 2603), and a motor operable to pull the belt or chain up and down along the track. The weight supports on both sides of the rack system can be automatically repositioned by the motor. An encoder may be associated with the rack system (e.g., as part of a servo motor driving the movement of the weight supports). The encoder may provide data to the electronic system regarding the position of the weight supports. Alternatively, the weight supports may have one or more proximity sensors mounted thereon. The one or more proximity sensors (e.g., inductive or magnetic proximity sensors) may be mounted on one or both of the weight supports and reference indicators may be positioned along one or both of the vertical tracks (e.g., metal tabs or other structures that the proximity sensor(s) are able to detect), such that the sensor(s) are tripped by the reference indicators as the weight supports move along the vertical tracks. The reference indicators may be placed along the vertical tracks at specific distances and/or at regular intervals.

It is to be appreciated that embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 22-30 may be adapted for use in a wide variety of different weight exercises by changing the starting location of the lifting bar. In accordance with these embodiments, the lifting bar may be placed so that the machine may be used for bench press, squats, cleans, curls, and among other bar lifting exercises.

As discussed above, embodiments of the weight systems disclosed in the present application may include one or more electronic systems (e.g., a computer using computer numerical control) for controlling the position of a weight on a lever member, the cable carriage, and the weight supports of the weight rack system. A programmable electronic system may be provided to control, among other things, a weight carriage motor (e.g., 2230, 2830, etc.) and the position of a weight carriage (e.g., 2224, 2824, etc.) on lever mechanism (e.g., 2220, 2820, etc.) via belt or chain (e.g., 2225, 2825, etc.). An encoder or proximity sensor(s) may be provided with the weight carriage motor, which is preferably a servo motor. In alternative embodiments, the encoder may be a linear or rotational encoder in communication with the lever member. The encoder or proximity sensor(s) may be calibrated in conjunction with the weight carriage motor, the belt driving axle or gear (e.g., 2261, 2626, etc.), and/or the weight carriage so that system knows the precise position of the weight carriage on the lever member, which can be used to determine the amount of weight (tension) provided on the weight-bearing cable (e.g., 2405, 2605, etc.). The precision of the amount of weight provided depends on the type of encoder used, but in an exemplary embodiment, the encoder may count as many as 10,000 pulses for each rotation of the belt driving axle or gear, although other less-precise encoders may be used and still provide satisfactory precision.

In some embodiments, one or more electronic systems may also control and coordinate a position of the cable carriage (e.g., 2301, 2751, etc.) along the lever member (e.g., 2220, 2820, etc.) and a vertical position of the weight supports (e.g., 2401, 2602, 2902, 3002, etc.). The coordination of the position of the cable carriage and the vertical position of the weight supports may allow the weight system to adjust position and slack in the weight bar to accommodate persons of different heights, different arm lengths, etc., while maintaining tension in the weight bearing cable so that it does not become loose on the pulleys of the weight system and possibly fall off of one or more of the pulleys. Additionally, the coordination of the position of the cable carriage and the weight supports may allow the weight system to be adjusted for use in various exercises that may require movement of the lifting bar at different distances from the weight system (e.g., bench press, cleans, squats etc.).

A programmable electronic system may be provided to control the cable carriage motor (e.g., 2312, 2712, etc.) and the position of the cable carriage (e.g., 2301, 2751, etc.) on the lever mechanism or the cable carriage track (e.g., 2709, etc.) via the screw member (e.g., 2311, 2711, etc.). An encoder (e.g., 2313, etc.) may be provided with the cable carriage motor, which is preferably a servo motor. The encoder may be calibrated in conjunction with the cable carriage motor, and/or the screw member so that the electronic system knows the precise position of the cable carriage on lever member or the cable carriage track, which determines the amount of slack in the weight-bearing cable (e.g., 2305, 2405, 2605, etc.). The encoder may be a relatively precise encoder able to count as many as 10,000 pulses for each rotation of the screw member. In alternative embodiments, less-precise encoders or one or more proximity sensors (as discussed above) may be used and still provide satisfactory precision.

As mentioned above, the one or more electronic systems may also control a vertical position of the weight supports (e.g., 2401, 2602, 2902, 3002, etc.). A programmable electronic system may be provided to control the weight rack motor (e.g., 2414, etc.) and the position of the weight supports along the vertical tracks (e.g., 2402, 2603, 2903, 3003, etc.). An encoder (e.g., a rotational encoder) may be provided with the weight rack motor, which is preferably a servo motor. Alternatively, an encoder (e.g., a linear encoder) may be provided with the vertical tracks. The encoder may be calibrated in conjunction with the weight rack motor, a sprocket axle connected to the weight rack motor (e.g., 2415, etc.), and/or a rack chain (e.g., 2403, etc.) so that the electronic system knows the precise position of weight supports on the vertical tracks. The electronic systems may also be able to coordinate the positions of the cable carriage (e.g., 2301, 2651, 2751, etc.) and the weight supports, such that the amount of tension in the weight bearing cable is maintained at or above a predetermined minimum value (e.g., e.g., 1 to 10 lbs., or any value or range of values therein) when the weight lifting bar (e.g., 2404, 2604, 2904, 3004, etc.) is resting on weight supports. The electronic system may have software capable of monitoring the positions of the cable carriage and the weight supports using data provided by encoders or proximity sensors incorporated into the cable carriage system and the weight rack system, and determining the rate of movement and the order of movement of the cable carriage and the weight supports required to maintain tension in the weight-bearing cable (e.g., 2405, 2605, 2905, 3005, etc.). The electronic systems may then move the cable carriage and the weight supports in a coordinated, simultaneous manner in order to maintain minimum tension in said weight-bearing cable. It is to be appreciated that maintaining a minimum tension in the weight-bearing cable may prevent the weight-bearing cable from becoming loose as the weight supports and the cable carriage are repositioned.

The electronic systems may have manual inputs such as buttons, dials, switches, or the like (including without limitation one or more keypads), and/or electronic inputs and outputs such as a magnetic or optical reader, USB or other port, etc. provided on or with a user interface (e.g., a touch-screen, a monitor and keypad, etc.). The user may input his/her identity and other information regarding the desired workout using any of these inputs (keypad, manual ID number input, magnetic ID card, upload from a portable electronic device, etc.). Embodiments of the electronic system maintain information about each user, including height, arm length, workout routines performed by the user, and other information from inputs on by the user in the interface or other data sources. A user's personal data and workout parameters may be used to automatically adjust the position of the weight carriage 2224, the position of the cable carriage (e.g., 2301, 2651, 2751, etc.), and the position of the weigh supports (e.g., 2401, 2602, 2902, 3002, etc.) so that the weight bar is at the proper height for the particular user.

In an exemplary illustration, if the user's body measurements (e.g., height and arm length) and workout parameters are inputted into the electronic system, the user can simply identify himself and the exercise that he intends to perform using the interface, and the electronic system will adjust the positions of the weight carriage (e.g., 2224, 2624, 2924, 3024, etc.), the cable carriage (e.g., 2301, 2651, 2751, 2951, 3051, etc.), and the weight supports (e.g., 2401, 2602, 2902, 3002, etc.) based on the user's data. The positioning of the cable carriage and the weight supports may be coordinated by the electronic system so that there is no excess slack in the weight-bearing cable (e.g., 2405, 2605, 2905, 3005, etc.). The weight carriage may remain in a “home position” near or over a pivot (in home position, the weight carriage may exert little or no downward force on the weight-bearing cable) until the user has removed the weight lifting bar (e.g., 2404, 2604, 2904, 3004, etc.) from the weight supports. An encoder engaged with the lever member (e.g., 2220, 2620, 2820, 2920, 3020, etc.) may sense when the bar is moved off of the weight supports, and alert the electronic system that the user is ready to perform an exercise. The electronic system may then move the weight carriage to a predetermined position on the lever member according to the user's personalized data.

The user data stored by the electronic systems may also include such things as, without limitation, the weight(s) (tension) to be applied during a particular workout; number of repetitions for the workout; desired time interval(s) between repetitions and/or a time to complete the entire workout; any scheduled changes to be made to the tension during the workout (e.g. increasing, decreasing and/or alternating tension for different repetitions in the workout); ranges of acceptable deviations from any of tension (e.g., adding or removing a selected amount of weight based on the speed of movement imparted to the lever member by the user), repetitions, time interval(s), etc.; and/or whether or not to record feedback from the workout. It is to be appreciated that different combinations of these selections may be made by the user to more particularly tailor a given workout or exercise regimen. This information can be used to adjust the position of the weight carriage (e.g., 2224, 2624, 2824, 2924, 3024, etc.) on the lever member (e.g., 2220, 2620, 2820, 2920, 3020, etc.) during the exercise. For example, if the movement of the lever member slows to a certain predetermined speed (e.g., the user is struggling to lift the weight lifting bar), an encoder associated with the lever member may signal the electronic control system, which can then activate the weight carriage motor (e.g., 2230, 2830, etc.) to move the weight carriage toward the pivot (e.g., 2223, 2623, etc.) to reduce the tension on weight-bearing cable 2405 and allow the user to finish an exercise. Or, if the movement of the lever member has completely stopped or the lever begins moving downward before a lift repetition has been completed (e.g., the user has fatigued and may be collapsing), the electronic systems can signal the weight carriage motor to rapidly move the weight to the “home position” over the pivot, removing the load from weight lifting bar (e.g., 2404, 2604, 2904, 3004, etc.).

The electronic system may be able to selectively vary the amount of tension added or subtracted to weight bearing cable (by moving the weight carriage) during the user's repetitions based on the user's data and the information received by the electronic system from the encoder associated with the lever system. More specifically, if the user is moving the lifting bar at a usual or expected rate (e.g., the user's fatigue is normal during a particular set of repetitions in comparison to the user's past workout data), the electronic system may reduce the amount of tension on the weight-bearing cable in a preset increment selected by the user via the interface. However, if the user is fatiguing quickly and/or the user's lifting rate is substantially less than the usual or expected rate based on the user's data, the electronic system may select a different amount of tension to be removed from the weight-bearing cable (e.g., 2 or more pounds versus the user's selected incremental reduction of 1 pound). Thus, the electronic system may be adaptive and assist the user to complete a set of repetitions without excessive strain and at a relatively consistent rate of lifting repetitions. It is to be appreciated that electronic system may also selectively add tension to the weight-bearing cable, if the user's repetition rate is higher than expected. It is also to be appreciated that the adjustments in the tension on the weight-bearing cable may be performed as the user is in the process of lifting the lifting bar (e.g., during a set of repetitions), thereby adjusting the weight experienced by the user while he is exercising. However, the electronic system may also adjust the amount of tension on the weight-bearing cable between lifting sets based on a user's preset workout routine. The combination of the electronic system, the weight carriage motor, and the encoder are capable of rapidly responding to changes in user's energy or fatigue lever, and may be able to add or remove several pounds per second (e.g., up to 70 pounds per second).

Some embodiments of the invention include a port or networking link that allows data stored in the electronic system of the present invention to be accessed and/or downloaded, directly or indirectly, from or onto another device, such as a PDA, iPod, local storage, removable storage, network storage, network computer, or the like. This makes the data available for the user to incorporate into other databases, programs or devices for archival, study, entertainment, competition or other purposes.

It is to be understood that variations, modifications and combinations of the elements of the various embodiments of the present invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof. It is also to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited by the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but only in accordance with the appended claims when read in light of the foregoing specification. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cable tension system comprising: a) a pivotally mounted lever mechanism having a moveable weight thereon; b) a cable attached to a weight lifting bar; c) a cable carriage moveably engaged with a cable carriage track said carriage having at least one pulley thereon through which said cable is routed; d) a first motion imparting mechanism for moving said cable carriage with respect to a stationary pulley attached to said cable carriage track; and e) at least one weight support for supporting said weight lifting bar, said at least one weight support moveably engaged with a vertical frame.
 2. The tension system of claim 1, wherein said first motion imparting mechanism comprises a first motor and a rotatable threaded screw operatively engaged with said cable carriage through a threaded bore in said carriage.
 3. The tension system of claim 2, further comprising an encoder in electronic communication with said processor and in mechanical communication with said first motion imparting mechanism for determining the position of said cable carriage relative to said stationary pulley.
 4. The tension system of claim 2, further comprising a processor in electronic communication with said first motion imparting mechanism, and operable to adjust a position of said cable carriage relative to said stationary pulley by activating said first motor.
 5. The tension system of claim 1, wherein said cable carriage comprises a first pulley and a second pulley, and said cable is sequentially routed over said first pulley, said stationary pulley, and said second pulley.
 6. The tension system of claim 5, wherein said cable carriage is operable to adjust slack in said cable by moving along said cable carriage track.
 7. The tension system of claim 1, wherein said vertical frame has at least one track therein and said at least one weight support is moveably engaged with said track.
 8. The tension system of claim 7, further comprising a belt or chain running along said at least one track, wherein said at least one weight support is engaged with said belt or chain.
 9. The tension system of claim 8, further comprising a second motion imparting mechanism for moving said at least one weight support with respect to said at least one track.
 10. The tension system of claim 9, wherein said second motion imparting mechanism comprises at least one sprocket or gear engaged with said belt or chain, and a sprocket axle engaged with said at least one sprocket or gear.
 11. The tension system of claim 10, wherein said second motion imparting mechanism further comprises a weight rack motor engaged with said sprocket axle and operable to rotate said sprocket axle in both rotational directions.
 12. The tension system of claim 11, further comprising an encoder in mechanical communication with said sprocket axle or said at least one weight support for determining a vertical position of said at least one weight support relative to said at least one track.
 13. The tension system of claim 12, further comprising a processor in electronic communication with said weight rack motor and said encoder, said processor operable to monitor and adjust the vertical position of said at least one weight support.
 14. The tension system of claim 9, further comprising a processor in electronic communication with said second motion imparting mechanism, said processor operable to monitor and adjust the vertical position of said at least one weight support.
 15. The tension system of claim 14, wherein said processor is in electronic communication with said first motion imparting mechanism, and is operable to adjust a position of said cable carriage relative to said stationary pulley.
 16. The tension system of claim 15, further comprising a data port in communication with said processor for receiving or transmitting user data, wherein said user data comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a user identifier, user body measurements, and workout parameters.
 17. The tension system of claim 16, further comprising computer executable instructions adapted to cause said processor to change positions of said cable carriage and said at least one weight support.
 18. The tension system of claim 17, wherein said computer executable instructions coordinate the positions of said cable carriage and said at least one weight support such that a predetermined minimum amount of tension is maintained in said cable.
 19. The tension system of claim 15, further comprising a third motion imparting mechanism for moving said weight with respect to said lever mechanism.
 20. The tension system of claim 19, wherein said processor is in electronic communication with said third motion imparting mechanism, and is operable to adjust a position of said weight relative to said lever mechanism.
 21. The tension system of claim 20, further comprising a first encoder in electronic communication with said processor for determining the position of said cable carriage relative to said stationary pulley, a second encoder in electronic communication with said processor for determining the vertical position of said at least one weight support, and a third encoder for determining a position of said weight relative to said lever mechanism.
 22. The tension system of claim 14, further comprising at least one safety mechanism for releasing tension in said cable by disengaging said first motor from said rotatable threaded screw.
 23. The tension system of claim 1, further comprising a third motion imparting mechanism for moving said weight with respect to said lever mechanism.
 24. A method of adjusting a height of a lifting bar in a weight lifting apparatus comprising the steps of: coupling opposite ends of said lifting bar to a cable; routing said cable around a stationary pulley and through a pulley on a cable carriage moveably installed on a track mounted on said weight lifting apparatus; and moving said cable carriage along said track relative to said stationary pulley to adjust slack in said cable.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein moving said cable carriage comprises rotating a rotatable threaded screw operatively engaged with said cable carriage through a threaded bore in said carriage, wherein rotating said screw in a first rotational direction moves the cable carriage toward said stationary pulley and rotating said screw in a second rotational direction moves the cable carriage away from said stationary pulley.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein moving said cable carriage toward said stationary pulley decreases a distance between said cable carriage and said stationary pulley, shortens a section of said cable engaged with said cable carriage and said stationary pulley, and increases slack in said cable.
 27. The method of claim 25, wherein moving said cable carriage away from said stationary pulley increases a distance between said cable carriage and said stationary pulley, lengthens a section of said cable engaged with said cable carriage and said stationary pulley, and decreases slack in said cable.
 28. The method of claim 24, further comprising adjusting a height of at least one weight support on which said lifting bar rests.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein moving said cable carriage and adjusting a height of said at least one weight support are performed simultaneously.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein a predetermined minimum tension is maintained in said cable during the said simultaneous movement of said cable carriage and said adjustment of the height of said at least one weight support.
 31. The method of claim 28, wherein said moving said cable carriage and said adjusting a height of said at least one weight support are controlled by a processor in electronic communication with first motion imparting mechanism engaged with said cable carriage and a second motion imparting mechanism engaged with said at least one weight support.
 32. The method of claim 31, wherein said processor instructs said first and second motion imparting mechanisms to adjust said cable carriage and said at least one weight support to new positions based on user data, wherein said user data comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a user identifier, user body measurements, and workout parameters.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein moving said cable carriage and said adjusting a height of said at least one weight support are performed simultaneously.
 34. The method of claim 24 comprising the additional steps of: providing a movable weight on said pivoting weight lever mechanism, and moving said weight with respect to said lever mechanism to change tension on said cable.
 35. A variable tension weight lifting system comprising: a) a pivotally mounted lever mechanism; b) a weight carriage moveably engaged with said lever mechanism in a first track on said lever mechanism; c) a first motion imparting mechanism engaged with said weight carriage, said first motion imparting mechanism operable to move said weight carriage along said first track relative to said lever mechanism; d) a cable carriage moveably engaged with a cable carriage track; e) a second motion imparting mechanism engaged with said cable carriage, said first motion imparting mechanism comprising a rotatable threaded screw operatively engaged with a rotor of a motor and received within a threaded bore in said cable carriage, said second motion imparting operable to move said cable carriage along said cable carriage track; f) a cable attached to a weight bar and routed through said cable carriage, wherein said cable carriage is operable to adjust slack in said cable; g) a weight rack system having at least one weight bar support; h) a third motion imparting mechanism engaged with said at least one weight bar support, said third motion imparting mechanism operable to adjust a vertical position of said at least one weight bar rack; and i) a processor in communication with said first, second, and third motion imparting mechanisms, said processor operable to control said movement of said weight carriage along said first track, said movement of said cable carriage along said cable carriage track, and said adjustment of the vertical position of said at least one weight support. 